The Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' has grossed $939.1 million worldwide, surpassing 'Bohemian Rhapsody' as the highest-grossing music biopic of all time. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, continues to show strong momentum in international markets including Russia, Brazil, and Japan.
Global Box Office Performance
The film has earned $358.6 million domestically and $553.3 million internationally. It is tracking to become the first Hollywood release of the year to cross $20 million in Russia, sits atop Brazil's yearly chart, and dropped only around ten percent in its Japanese debut weekend. Analysts noted Japan could push the film past the billion-dollar mark, making it only the second film to reach that threshold in 2026, behind 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie'.
Record-Breaking Achievements
'Michael' set several records including the largest global opening weekend for a music biopic, the highest-grossing domestic biopic of all time, and the most successful biopic in French history, surpassing 'La Vie en Rose'. It is also the highest-grossing Lionsgate film and the second-highest-grossing film of 2026.
Cast and Critical Reception
The film stars Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson in the title role, alongside Colman Domingo as Joseph Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Scruse-Jackson, Miles Teller as John Branca, and Mike Myers as Walter Yetnikoff. Critics have been largely harsh, giving it a 39 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, largely due to the exclusion of abuse allegations. Despite this, audiences have embraced it warmly, with a second weekend drop of just 44 percent.
Production and Controversies
Development began in November 2019, with Lionsgate announcing the film in February 2022. Principal photography took place between January and May 2024 after delays from the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Reshoots in June 2025, costing $50 million, were required after the Jackson estate flagged a key plot point involving an accuser. The final cut ends with Michael at the beginning of the Bad World Tour, before the first allegations arose. The total production budget was $155–200 million.
Sequel and Family Involvement
A sequel is in development. Michael's son, Prince, served as an executive producer. His daughter, Paris Jackson, criticized the casting of Teller through a legal filing, accusing estate executors John Branca and John McClain of trying to enrich themselves.
